POSTED UNDER Facial Fat Transfer Reviews
Late 20s Female, Lost Lots of Fat in my Face - San Jose, CA
UPDATED FROM somekindofnature
3 years post
3 years later, still happy with Dr. Lay
somekindofnatureFebruary 1, 2019
WORTH IT$3,700
Just for people wondering how this turned out, I wanted to add an update. I'm still glad I went to Dr. Lay. I like how my cheeks look and don't think too much about it. I still have an uneven jawline, and I'm hoping to fix that (very carefully) soon. I'm including some photos.
somekindofnature's provider
UPDATED FROM somekindofnature
1 year post
Approximately 1.5 year update
somekindofnatureJuly 3, 2017
It's been a little under 1.5 years since my fat transfer with Dr. Lay.
There hasn't been much change in my cheeks. The fat grafts are still there. I feel my cheeks might look a little bit skinnier, especially the mid cheek area. But I expected that to happen naturally, since I started rapidly losing fat in my face in my mid 20s. I don't think it has anything to do with the fat graft.
I'm still happy with Dr. Lay's work.
The first surgeon I did fat grafting with said he might be able to take some of the fat in my jawline out in the areas that bother me using micro liposuction. I am seriously considering doing that at some point. Dr. Lay also mentioned he does this for patients occasionally, so I might go to him instead.
I haven't decided yet.
There hasn't been much change in my cheeks. The fat grafts are still there. I feel my cheeks might look a little bit skinnier, especially the mid cheek area. But I expected that to happen naturally, since I started rapidly losing fat in my face in my mid 20s. I don't think it has anything to do with the fat graft.
I'm still happy with Dr. Lay's work.
The first surgeon I did fat grafting with said he might be able to take some of the fat in my jawline out in the areas that bother me using micro liposuction. I am seriously considering doing that at some point. Dr. Lay also mentioned he does this for patients occasionally, so I might go to him instead.
I haven't decided yet.
Replies (4)
July 3, 2017
Thanks for the update!! I'm sure you still look amazing <3 very pretty face to start with, but even pretty faces get a lil help from time to time just ask ANY celebrity lol. In the meantime, you can always use a light link blush to give the illusion of fuller cheeks before your revision. Thanks again hun
July 9, 2017
If the areas that bother you are lumps, and if they are hard than do not let them do micro liposuction on you. The thing with micro liposuction is it removes the good fat as well as the bad fat, but if that fat is hard to the touch then micro lipo will not remove it. Instead it will make the problem worse by creating an indented appearance because only the good fat will be removed. Studies have shown that those hard lumps are actually fat necrosis and the best way to remove them is through direct excision. If you have them excised from the outside though it will leave a scar. Most people prefer to do this at the same time as a facelift as the surgeon can hide the scars behind the ears and can access those lumped areas easier.
July 10, 2017
Thanks for the heads up! I actually don't have any hard lumps, they all feel soft and like a natural part of my face, but they look uneven. I would describe them less as lumps and more as contour irregularities. They don't look that unnatural, but I feel like they make me look older, because they are where people normally get jowls. Do you know by chance if it's ok to do micro liposuction if the lumps are soft? Or is it likely to still cause the same problems?
July 10, 2017
Well with any kind of micro liposuction you will be removing good fat as well as the bad fat. The hope is that the majority removed is the bad fat. Even then there could be further contour irregularities i.e. too much fat being removed. In which case you'd have to go get another Fat Transfer to cover up the dented / tunneling appearance that could result. This is really an area that you need to find a very skilled surgeon for. Even if you do, and things go textbook the results could still be not to your liking.
July 10, 2017
Ah I see. Maybe it makes sense then to wait until I'm old enough for a facelift.
July 10, 2017
If it's a minor issue to you, and nobody notices than that's what i'd do as well.
January 26, 2019
Hey, are you still happy with Dr. Lays work? I had fat transfer 3 months ago and all of mine has disappeared so I was considering going with him but I figured it might be a good idea to follow up with you and see if yours is still holding strong in a good way? Thanks for the help.
February 1, 2019
Hey! So I think a good amount of fat dissolved (as expected) but actually a good amount stayed - at least it's noticeable to me. I think the fact that I was young (in my 20s) when I did it played a factor. I think I had a lot of fat loss for my age though.
But yeah, the fat he put in is still somewhat there and I think it still looks natural. At least my cheeks look full and not caved in.
On the other hand, I still have the jawline lumps I've been complaining about and I found a doctor who is willing to fix them so I'm trying to do that next week. Hoping for a good outcome.
But yeah, the fat he put in is still somewhat there and I think it still looks natural. At least my cheeks look full and not caved in.
On the other hand, I still have the jawline lumps I've been complaining about and I found a doctor who is willing to fix them so I'm trying to do that next week. Hoping for a good outcome.
February 1, 2019
There are only 2 ways to fix the lumps without being scarred or disfigure d in some way. 1) facelift incision or 2) using a fat grafting needle to break them apart from the inside. Even with the lumps gone you may need some sort of loft afterwards. Actually an even better more cost effective method would be through a neck lift. Whatever you choose I hope it works out for you. Youre a great person and deserve healing.
UPDATED FROM somekindofnature
9 months post
About 8 months later
somekindofnatureNovember 1, 2016
I'm still happy with Dr. Lay's work. My main issue has been the excessive amount of fat the previous surgeon put into my jawline and lumpiness it resulted. I'm still not sure if I can get rid of that.
On the bright side though, Dr. Lay helped me look natural enough that even surgeons I've seen since then can't tell I had any procedures done (until I tell them). My cheeks retained a good amount of the fat and look natural. I will be going back to Dr. Lay if I ever want a fat transfer or fillers again - he has a great eye in my opinion.
On the bright side though, Dr. Lay helped me look natural enough that even surgeons I've seen since then can't tell I had any procedures done (until I tell them). My cheeks retained a good amount of the fat and look natural. I will be going back to Dr. Lay if I ever want a fat transfer or fillers again - he has a great eye in my opinion.
Replies (5)
November 1, 2016
The lumps can be removed but usually it's got to be done through a face lift incision. A decade or two down the line if you ever choose to have a facelift done they can do it then.
November 4, 2016
That's what a couple surgeons told me, so I guess I'll just wait. Pretty much I was told that removing them would be difficult and could make things worse (more uneven), so since they are not super noticeable, I shouldn't touch them now. But later in the future, when my jawline needs tightening, I can take care of the excess fat too.
November 4, 2016
Yeah, the other two options are steroid injections and micro liposuction but steroids could cause further hollowness and microlipo not only removes the bad fat but good fat which could lead to more hollowness. Direct excision for hard lumps is always best. There's also the "mashing" technique if you catch them early enough try to break them apart by pressing really hard on them daily. Although like I said the best method is direct excision and through a face lift where the scars can be hidden.
February 3, 2017
Thanks for sharing. Your pics look great! Can you tell me what kind of anesthesia Dr. Lay gave you (local, sedation, or general)? Do you know how he processes the fat so it remains viable? I heard alot of fat can die during the liposuction and transfer process if not harvested or transferred properly. I'm interested in finding a good fat transfer surgeon but it's really difficult to find.
February 12, 2017
Ah I was trying to respond to your question but instead accidentally posted a separate comment. Sorry about that. You can see it if you scroll up.
November 2, 2016
I wish he had more fat graft images on his site! I am interested in him for fat grafting
November 29, 2016
Yeah me too! I liked the one I saw on his website and my experience confirmed that he and I are on the same page as far as aesthetics. But it definitely feels super risky if you haven't seen enough photos of other people.
November 2, 2016
Hi!
Im in a situation where i think i need fat grafting to my jawline. I had a smartlipo done under my chin and jawlines about 5 years ago that i regret so much. I did not need it and he took way too much fat, its uneven and there are hollows in some places where he took more than other places.
I live in Europe and have had troubles finding someone who has done fat grafting to the jawline, i have never heard of it until i found this site. From your experience, do you think fat grafting to even up the hollow parts would work for me? I have a consultation in january but even if the surgeon says he can make it better, it would mean so much to get advice from someone who did something similar, because its really difficult for me to trust plastic surgeons now after what the first one did to me.
I think your result looks very good by the way!
Im in a situation where i think i need fat grafting to my jawline. I had a smartlipo done under my chin and jawlines about 5 years ago that i regret so much. I did not need it and he took way too much fat, its uneven and there are hollows in some places where he took more than other places.
I live in Europe and have had troubles finding someone who has done fat grafting to the jawline, i have never heard of it until i found this site. From your experience, do you think fat grafting to even up the hollow parts would work for me? I have a consultation in january but even if the surgeon says he can make it better, it would mean so much to get advice from someone who did something similar, because its really difficult for me to trust plastic surgeons now after what the first one did to me.
I think your result looks very good by the way!
November 2, 2016
If you're in Europe fly to Sweden. There's a gentleman on here named "d to the j" who is from Sweden and had fat grafting done there to his jaw and so far its been a success. He had two fat grafts a year apart and both of them took equally well and he's happy with his results.
November 4, 2016
I think it could work, but I would be careful. After my first bad experience, Dr. Lay did put some fat into my jawline (but closer to my chin) to even things out, and it improved my appearance. I would just be really careful not to overfill it. One option that was suggested to me was to do fillers first, and when they wear off, do fat transfer to the same place. That way you know where your surgeon will put the fat and whether you like the look of it. It's not 100 reliable though because fat is inconsistent and fat grafting results are less predictable.
November 9, 2016
Thank you so much for your answers, soren40 and somekindofnature! I am definitely going to check out "d to the j"! I have booked a consultation in january and I'm already so nervous. Cant think about anything else right now and I'm so afraid it won't be possible to fix. Since i did smartlipo, its not really on the jawline, its more underneath it. I thought about fillers first but i have read that it could move down since I'm having it under the jawbone and chin and then it doesn't have a bone to stay on.
I wish so bad i never did the smartlipo, now i miss my old fat and want it back as it was before...
I wish so bad i never did the smartlipo, now i miss my old fat and want it back as it was before...
February 2, 2017
I sent you a private message but I just want to add here that fillers do not "move down". They can use Voluma or Perlane and inject it directly on the bone and it will stay as well or better as fat would. Much more predictable. In my opinion fat in the lower face could really backfire in later years when it starts to sag and droop. Please consider fillers first. Less anxiety about the future.
December 15, 2016
You look amazing! I've been considering this procedure for the next year or two (30 years old). Thank you for this!
February 4, 2017
Thank you! =) Good luck and I'd love to see your results if you end up doing it!
February 4, 2017
Thank you! =) Dr. Lay does local anesthesia so you're awake the whole time. I'm not sure how he processes the fat actually, but I think his website might mention it. From my experience, a lot of fat does die off, but some of it stays for a long time.
This is from his website, if that helps: "Dr. Lay uses the Adivive™ Fat Transfer System to enhance the survival rate of fat cells, while mixing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with the extracted fat before grafting also helps improve its health and survival; it also improves skin tone. Dr. Lay incorporates PRP into every fat transfer he performs."
February 5, 2017
It's hard to say because I had so much swelling at the beginning. It want to say it's like 30-40% of what it was a couple months after the procedure, but if you factor in some residual swelling, maybe about 40-50%? My subjective feeling is that there is a bit more fat in my face than before the procedure, but my face doesn't feel huge like it at first. It's hard to quantify.
February 5, 2017
Do you feel like you would benefit from another procedure or are you happy with the amount of fat you have now?
February 5, 2017
I think I will get another procedure in the future. Probably a smaller amount. I'm ok enough with what I have now that I can wait a couple years until I'm around 30.
February 28, 2017
Love your username, and love your face shape. I just had fat transfer to my cheeks and I'm really excited to see the swelling go down. I can see my round cute cheeks under there somewhere hehehe. Were you told to not move your mouth or consume only liquids for the first couple weeks? I was just told to avoid the sun, exercise and sleep at 45 degrees for the first couple weeks. I'm super puffy like a poofy chipmunk, I'll put up some pictures soon!
March 6, 2017
Thank you! =) I'm excited to see your pictures!
They didn't tell me not to move my mouth, but I'm curious now if that would've helped retain the fat better. I've heard that a few times now.
They didn't tell me not to move my mouth, but I'm curious now if that would've helped retain the fat better. I've heard that a few times now.
March 6, 2017
You can see my less than glam photos up haha. I'll probably crop or take them down soon it's kind of embarrassing. I've also read eating carbs for the first few weeks helps the fat establish permanence because of the insulin spike, and insulin can rev up fat cells to grow and release a bunch of growth factors. So I've been enjoying a little more carbs than I usually would in light of this theory. Hehe. Did you feel islands or balls of lumps in your cheeks for a few weeks? My selling is finally improving but if I use my fingers to feel around my cheek, like one on the inside of my mouth one on the outside, I can feel huge areas of firm rubbery substance. My surgeon said it's all due to swelling so im being patient. Did you exercise a lot after your transfer and did you find the fat changed with your weight? Thanks girl :))
March 8, 2017
Yeah I felt lumps for some time! They all dissolved eventually, I would say a month or two after the procedure there weren't any hard lumps.
You look really pretty in your before pictures! I see what you mean about cheeks, I kind of have the same problem with my cheeks being a little caved in. I know some people like it, but I don't. I liked my fuller cheeks better. I can see you have a lot of swelling but I imagine your results will look great once the swelling goes down! How much fat did you have put in?
You look really pretty in your before pictures! I see what you mean about cheeks, I kind of have the same problem with my cheeks being a little caved in. I know some people like it, but I don't. I liked my fuller cheeks better. I can see you have a lot of swelling but I imagine your results will look great once the swelling goes down! How much fat did you have put in?
March 8, 2017
Oh and no I didn't exercise for a while. Probably for a few weeks at least. I naturally burn fat really easily so I didn't want to risk it.
March 9, 2017
Thanks! I was out cold and I forgot to ask her about the volume. I will though. Rounder cheeks are so much more flattering on me. From some angles I looked fine but from others I felt like I was starting to look like a skeleton :/ I was scared that as I kept working out I would lose more and more fullness. I've been holding out on exercise as well but I really miss it...it's been about two weeks and I've already put on a few pounds. I'm making crepes right now lol
March 9, 2017
Oh man, crepes are great! =) I can't wait to see your final result! I have a feeling that after 3 weeks you'll see the general shape, but it will keep going down more. I know it did for me.
Replies (1)